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Stroke: Bladder and Bowel Problems

Topic Overview

Urinary incontinence

Some people who have a stroke suffer loss of bladder
control (urinary incontinence) after the stroke. But this is usually
temporary. And it can have many causes, including infection, constipation, and
the effects of medicines.

If you have problems controlling your
bladder, your doctor may:

Test a urine sample to see if you have an
infection.

Do tests to see how you urinate, which can help you
and your doctor decide what treatment might work best for you.

Help
you develop a schedule of regular bathroom use that fits your
abilities.

Suggest that you wear protective clothing or a
pad.

Prescribe medicines, depending on the cause of your bladder
problems.

Some things you can do to prevent bladder leakage
include:

Emptying your bladder at regular intervals,
including when you first wake up and at bedtime.

Urinary retention

You may
have trouble emptying your bladder completely (urinary retention). Urinary
retention is common, especially right after a stroke, but it usually improves
over time.

If you have urinary retention problems, your doctor
may:

Place a tube (catheter) into your bladder to
prevent too much urine from building up. This is used only if absolutely
needed. (For more information, see the topic Urinary Incontinence in Men or
Urinary Incontinence in Women.)

Have you avoid medicines with certain side effects that cause the
bladder to retain urine.

Prescribe medicines, depending on the
cause of your bladder problems.

Test a urine sample to see if you
have an infection (common with urinary retention problems).

Constipation

Stroke by
itself does not cause constipation. But constipation often occurs after
a stroke because you are not drinking enough liquids, are in bed most of the
time, or are taking certain medicines as part of your treatment. If your
constipation is severe, stool can become lodged (impacted) in the bowel.

If you are concerned about any of your symptoms, call your doctor before you try home treatment.
Constipation can be treated at home.

If you are constipated:

Drink extra liquids, especially
water.

Set a regular time for using the toilet.

If you continue to have problems with constipation, your
doctor may recommend a bulking agent (such as Metamucil), a stool softener, or
regular use of a laxative or enema.

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How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.